Page 43 of Billionaire Temptations

“The magazine I’m going to be doing exclusives with is in Paris. I’m moving next week, and my agency is selling the apartment. I feel really bad, but there’s nothing I can do.”

“I told you last night that it’s fine. I’ll find something. In fact, I saw a couple of apartments today I’m going to inquire about,” I said.

I didn’t want to tell her or Max that I couldn’t afford it. If I had to, I’d use the money Max gave me for the next semester’s tuition and get a job right away. I was sure I’d have no problem finding a waitressing job at one of the upscale restaurants. Kara and Molly told me to move in with them, but finding a three-bedroom apartment at a reasonable price we could afford was extremely difficult. Plus, the apartments were so small, and the three of us would be too cramped.

“I can help you find a place, Emma,” Max said as he gave me a small smile.

“No. It’s fine. You’ve done enough, and I can find one on my own. Now, let’s go to dinner. I need to get back. I have homework to do before tomorrow.”

I grabbed my purse, kissed Macy on the cheek, and told her I’d see her later. Max placed his hand on the small of my back, which sent shivers throughout my body. I would never get over his touch and how it made me feel. I climbed in the Rolls Royce and said hello to Darren. He gave me a smile and a wink. It had been a while since I’d seen him. He dropped us off at the curb of a restaurant called Eleven Madison Park, where the menu was $225 per person.

“Don’t you think this is a bit expensive?”

“No. Not at all. They have some of the best food here. Don’t worry about the price.”

“So, where did you go on business this week?” I asked as I sipped my mojito.

“California. I needed to meet with Ian Braxton regarding some property I’m interested in that he owns in Chicago.”

“Chicago?”

“Yeah. I’m looking at a building for my company.”

He was confusing me. “What do you meanyourcompany? What about your father’s company?”

“What about it? I’m branching out on my own as soon as my trust fund comes through. I’m building a software company. This is between you and me. Nobody knows about this.”

“And what is your father going to say about this?”

“It’s none of my father’s business. Maybe if he spent more time being a father, I wouldn’t feel the need to get out from under him. We got into an argument right before I left for California. I confronted him about his affairs and how it was affecting me and Fiona. I told him he was a hypocrite and that the perfect Hamilton family was nothing but a joke. He told me to mind my business and act like the prodigal son. I swear I can’t stand that man. I want nothing to do with Hamilton Reality, Hamilton Development Group, or Hamilton Investments. I’m starting my own company, and I’m building my own success out from underneath my father.”

As I sat there and listened to his rant, which was very uncontrolled for even Max, I felt sorry for him.

“Have you thought of talking to your mom?”

He laughed. “There’s no talking to her. He has full control over her. She would never think about stepping out of line and defying Mr. Bradshaw Hamilton. She agrees with everything he says. She always has.”

“Even if she found out about his affairs?”

“My mother appears to be a strong woman, but in reality, she’s very weak. I hate him, Emma. I really do.”

I reached across the table and took hold of his hand. “I’m sorry, Max.”

“It’s funny because people think that everything is glorious when you have money and a high-powered, established name. It’s so far from the truth. I just want my trust fund and to get out of his shadow. The day I turn twenty-six is the day that I throw a wrench in all their perfect plans.”

“Why Chicago? Why not stay in New York?”

“Because I want to be as far away from my parents as possible.”

The sadness in his eyes consumed me. I knew he had problems with his father, but I never knew it was to this extent. After we broke up, I guessed he’d be moving to Chicago, and I’d never see him again. He had no intentions of staying in New York.

After we ate, he took me back to my apartment and walked me to the door. He placed his hand on my cheek and softly kissed my lips. “Thank you again for doing this for me.”

“You’re welcome.” I smiled softly.

“I’ll be in touch soon.” He kissed my forehead and turned and walked away.

A feeling of comfort washed over me as I watched him walk down the hall.

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